There he was, at Ichiraku. Just as he always is in the afternoon. Later, he will return to training and she will observe from there too.
Hinata usually stood at a distance whilst watching Naruto's day to day activities. It was quite repetitive, but watching him made her stronger. Stronger than anyone believed she was capable of. Today, she needed that strength because she was going to do something that no one would ever dream she would do.
Ask Naruto to tomorrow's festival.
Hinata pulled her index finger over her lip, blushing at the thought. This was her chance, her one opportunity! He was alone. Just go over and ask him!
Tentatively, she put her right foot forward. That's right! You can do it. She heard Naruto shout out for another bowl of Miso ramen. Hinata began shaking as she stepped forward again. Almost there.
'Um…hello Naruto-kun,' she said, almost inaudibly. Naruto turned round to see Hinata pushing her fingers against each other nervously.
'Oh, hey Hinata. I didn't see you there,' Naruto said smiling. Hinata felt her cheeks flush. 'I don't suppose you want a bowl of ramen, do you?'
He's talking to me! What do I say? She looked at the floor. 'Oh, erm…no, thank you.'
'Suit yourself then,' he replied, receiving a bowl from the owner. He snapped open some chopsticks and began to devour the noodles. She continued to concentrate on a rock on the floor, working up her courage again.
'Naruto-kun…' she began. He glanced over at her from her noodles. She didn't usually start up conversations with him and he was intrigued to see where this was going. 'I was…wondering…' she gulped. 'I was wondering if you…were going with anyone. To the festival, I mean.' She breathed a sigh of relief. There. She said it. Now to ask him…
'What was that? Sorry I can't really hear you,' Naruto nearly yelled, squinting at Hinata.
Oh no! What now?
'Hey Hinata, you're a girl, right?' Naruto stated, giving her his full attention. Hinata looked up. 'Do you want to go to the festival with me tomorrow? It's just that everyone's taking dates and I don't have one.'
Did he ask me on a DATE?! Hinata gave a strong nod, smiling gently. Her confidence had just exploded within her, she felt stronger, she felt she could believe in herself, she felt…
'Hey, are you ok? You look pretty red.'
…embarrassed.
Hinata fell forward, feinting into Naruto's arms.
A/N
A short, first HinataXNaruto fic. He is so dense . I may continue it if you guys like it. Critique desired.